§ Mr. Nicholas Wintertonasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what constitutes the daily menu of prisoners in the Maze prison and other prisons in Northern Ireland; what is its protein content; and how its cost compares with meals available in other institutions such as schools and hospitals.
§ Mr. AlisonThe food provided for prisoners in Northern Ireland is based on a dietary scale, the daily menu being left to the discretion of each prison. The Prison Service medical advisers have approved the items appearing in the dietary scale and the quantities that are served; and variations or additions are permitted for prisoners who hold certain religious beliefs, who are vegetarians, or who need special diets.
445WAverage protein content is 121 grams per day. The average cost of foodstuffs, per prisoner per week, is currently £5.93.
Because of the different arrangements for providing meals, and the differing requirements of those receiving them, realistic comparisons with other institutions are impractical.